Liverpool and Arsenal combined XI: Alexis Sanchez, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane provide the firepower up top... but who else makes the line-up?

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Two of the Premier League big guns go head-to-head on Sunday afternoon at Anfield in what should be an eventful game early on in the season.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool go into the weekend's match following a mixed start to their new Premier League campaign, with question marks hanging over both side's defence.

Last season, Liverpool managed to do the double over the Gunners, beating them 4-3 at the Emirates and 3-1 at Anfield later on in the season.

But ahead of Sunday's highly anticipated encounter, Sportsmail have selected a composite XI from the two probable (from the players fit and ready to go) line-ups in a 4-3-3 formation... 

Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League

Petr Cech (Arsenal) - Goalkeeper

One of the easier decisions to start with. Simon Mignolet still struggles to convince in between the posts for Liverpool and is still prone to making a mistake at any time.

And while Cech made the occasional error last season, he still can win his side points throughout the season and is an imposing presence behind the defence for the Gunners. Makes the composite XI with ease. 

Petr Cech still remains an imposing figure in goal for Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side

Hector Bellerin (Arsenal) - Defender 

While the Spanish full back hasn't hit the same heights recently as he did when he broke into the Arsenal first team, the 22-year-old still poses a big threat going forward with his darting runs and incisive final ball.

And Bellerin isn't bad defensively either. The Spaniard's pace and clever positioning allows him to cut out any real danger. Trent Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a very impressive start to life in the Liverpool XI but he has some way to go to take Bellerin's slot.

Hector Bellerin poses a threat for any defence with his electric pace and darting runs forward

Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal) - Defender 

Arsenal's best defender by some distance and Arsene Wenger will be delighted to have him back on the weekend. The Frenchman doesn't let opposing strikers have a sniff and can be a real nuisance.

His presence in Arsenal's backline makes a huge difference for the Gunners. Without him this season in their first two games, they have looked shaky, conceding three against Leicester and giving away a poor goal against Stoke.

Laurent Koscielny's return to Arsenal's backline comes as a welcome relief for Wenger

Joel Matip (Liverpool) - Defender 

After signing on a free transfer from Schalke, Matip has impressed at the heart of Liverpool's defence and has been their most consistent performer since joining the Anfield outfit.

The 26-year-old centre back is strong, tall and comfortable on the ball and without him, Liverpool look much worse. Joins Koscielny at centre back. 

Getting Joel Matip on a free transfer was a very clever bit of business by Jurgen Klopp

Nacho Monreal (Arsenal) - Defender

The Spaniard has been deployed in the heart of Arsenal's back three this season and has found it uncomfortable. Wenger needs to play him on the left. Monreal has an eye for breaking up the opposition's play with his clever interceptions and loves getting forward for his side.

Alberto Moreno is a liability at left back while it is still too early to judge new signing Andy Robertson at Liverpool, despite an impressive debut against Crystal Palace.

Nacho Monreal has an eye for spotting danger and has become a reliable left back for Arsenal

Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) - Midfielder 

Slots into the centre of midfield in this XI. The England international is Liverpool's reliable man, helping break up play and starting attacks for his side.

The 27-year-old captain has become a real leader for the Anfield outfit and helps steady the ship in the middle of the park with his composed play. *Spoiler alert*, he is the only English player in this team. 

Jordan Henderson is the only English player to make the combined Liverpool/Arsenal XI

Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) - Midfielder 

This spot would go to Philippe Coutinho but with him on the sidelines due to a back injury and being ill, this was a very tough pick. While Georginio Wijnaldum and Emre Can have their traits that Ramsey doesn't, the Welshman pips them as this team needs a midfielder who can penetrate the lines.

While he divides opinion among Arsenal fans, Ramsey's box-to-box appetite and hunger to get into advancing position is a welcome change to an Arsenal midfield full of vision. Toughest decision that had to be made.

Aaron Ramsey is a danger for any defence with his darting runs forward in midfield

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal) - Midfielder

Steven Gerrard described him as a 'liability' following Arsenal's defeat at Stoke. The German World Cup winner will always have his critics and unfairly so. 

Ozil is always one step ahead in the mind compared to his attacking team-mates and can create something out of nothing with his inch-perfect passing. While many slate him, Wenger fully backs him and will be hoping he extends his Arsenal deal. 

Mesut Ozil receives criticism but unfairly so as he can unlock defences with ease

Sadio Mane (Liverpool) - Forward

His early season form has been excellent and without him, Liverpool's attacking play is much less clinical and frightening. He has scored two goals in his first two league games... not a bad start!

The Senegalese star has been a sensational signing for Klopp and has become one of the best players in the top flight. He will cause Arsenal loads of problems on Sunday. Wenger's side will have to be on alert throughout.

Sadio Mane's electric pace and quick feet causes a host of problems for sides in the top flight

Roberto Firmino - Forward

The Brazilian consistently performs for his side and is a real danger for any opposition defence with his clever feet and mind. Another very intelligent signing in recent years that has helped fire them to the Champions League.

With Alexandre Lacazette still adapting to the pace of the Premier League and Olivier Giroud struggling to get into Arsenal's starting line-up, Firmino leads the line for the combined XI, where Klopp has deployed him recently.

Roberto Firmino has shone for the Anfield outfit since signing from Hoffenheim

Alexis Sanchez (Arsenal) - Forward

The Chile international's return on Sunday comes as a huge boost for Arsenal and Wenger. He is the club's main man and will add some much-needed pace and energy to Arsenal's attack, which failed to shine against Stoke.

Sanchez may be on the move next summer for free but Wenger is hoping one last push from the Chilean can help Arsenal challenge for the title.

Alexis Sanchez will be hoping to cause Liverpool's defence plenty of problems on Sunday